The African crowned crane is a striking and colorful bird with golden feathers on top of its head that resemble a Roman helmet. The most distinct characteristic about the crane is its windpipe, which may be 5 feet long, half of which is coiled within its breastbone. The windpipe allows the crane to make loud “trombone-like” calls, which may carry for more than a mile.
Spectacular breeding dances are performed during breeding season.
| FAST FACTS |
|
|---|---|
| SCIENTIFIC NAME | BALEARICA REGULORUM |
| WHERE IN THE WILD? | FOUND ON THE SAVANNAS OF WEST, CENTRAL AND SOUTH AFRICA |
| WHAT'S ON THE MENU? |
SEEDS, ROOTS, INSECTS, FROGS, WORMS, GRUBS |
| LIFE EXPECTANCY |
22 YEARS |